Netherlands: A16 and A12 closures – drivers must expect long detours

When planning trips through the Netherlands in the second half of August and in September, drivers should prepare for major disruptions on two strategic routes – the A16 near Rotterdam and the A12 towards Utrecht.

Works on the A16 – bridge replacement and preparations for the opening of a new section

Rijkswaterstaat is entering the final phase of replacing the viaduct over Hoofdweg on the A16 motorway near Rotterdam. The upgrade is part of preparations for the opening of the new A16 Rotterdam section in October 2025, as well as major maintenance works between the Terbregseplein and Ridderkerk junctions. In August and September, drivers should expect full or partial closures of the route and diversions that may extend travel times by up to 60 minutes.

Dates and scope of closures

A total of five weekends of disruptions are planned:
❌ 22–25 August – complete closure of the carriageway towards A20 (Hoek van Holland/Gouda) between Ridderkerk and Terbregseplein junctions, except for the parallel lane between exits Feijenoord (24) and Centrum (25).
❌ 5–8 September and 12–15 September – closure of the parallel carriageway towards A20 on the same section (main carriageway remains open).
❌ 19–22 September and 26–29 September – complete closure of the carriageway towards Dordrecht between Terbregseplein and Ridderkerk junctions.

Slip roads and access roads may be blocked up to one hour earlier than the main motorway sections.

Detours

Traffic will be diverted via A20, A4 (Benelux Tunnel) and A15, which may add 30–60 minutes to travel time. Rijkswaterstaat urges drivers to plan journeys in advance, consider using public transport, or choose alternative routes.

From 17 August, preparatory works will begin on Hoofdweg, including the closure of exit 27 (Prins Alexander). In September, the City of Rotterdam will replace the traffic control system at Kralingseplein junction and renovate the Cornelis van Beveren cycle bridge over the A16.

Ten-day closure of the A12 – one of the main routes for traffic from Germany

Another major disruption concerns the A12 motorway towards Utrecht, between the Maanderbroek and Lunetten junctions. The road will be completely closed from 22 August to 1 September.

The A12 is one of the most important transport corridors in the Netherlands, especially for trucks coming from Germany towards The Hague and Rotterdam. The designated detour runs via A30, A1 and A27 – it is about 40 kilometers longer and may increase travel times by at least one hour. Authorities warn that during peak hours and summer travel periods, delays may be even greater. In the opposite direction – towards Arnhem – the road will remain open, though roadworks are also scheduled there.

Rijkswaterstaat calls on drivers to plan routes in advance, consider public transport, or use alternative connections to avoid the most severe disruptions.